John Lawrence Brooks Jr.

March 9, 1930 - June 20, 2018

The Villages, Florida

John Lawrence Brooks, Jr., husband, father and grandfather extraordinaire; avid golfer, bowler, camper, canoeist, card-shark, dancer, gardener, sailor and all around Jack-of-all-trades, died at home, surrounded by loved ones on June 20, from complications of bladder cancer.

John was born in Swampscott, MA., on March 9, 1930, the oldest of seven siblings, was known as "Jack". After their Saugus home burned the family moved to Danvers, MA. Jack spent his early years in the wilds of west Danvers, trapping, fishing, and swimming with his brothers along the Ipswich River. Jack played football for Danvers High, graduating in 1948. He served honorably in the Army Military Police Corps during the Korean War. Upon his return stateside he fell in love with the baby sister of his friend Roger Bailey (deceased). Jack and his sweetheart would marry on a beautiful sunny day in late May of 1955. In August of 1956 they would be blessed with their first child, a daughter, and soon after bought their first home in Peabody, MA, over the next several years their 2 sons were born. The couple, avid square dancers, were long time members and served on the executive board of the Salem Lancers Square Dance club and also members of the Turkey Town Trotters of N. Andover.

Not a man desirous of wealth or fame, Jack's life was rich with the love of family and friends and the respect of his peers; he was famous for his honesty, integrity and for always going out of his way to help a friend or a stranger in need. After raising their children in Peabody, MA the couple moved to Merrimack, MA.

Jack worked for many years and retired from the General Electric Marine Gear and Turbine plant in Lynn, MA, at a job he loved and excelled at. After retiring, the couple moved to warmer climes in The Villages, Florida to golf, bowl and carouse with their many wonderful neighbors in Duval Village, to whom he was know as Smiley Jack. Their next door neighbor, who is a young'n in comparison to Jack and Julie, commented recently that they were the busiest couple in the 'hood, always ready for fun!

Jack is survived by his wife of 63 years, Julia F. (Bailey), with whom he danced through life, his three children; Dorene F., her husband Charles H. McManus, Jr and their son C. Patrick of Gloucester, MA; son David S., his wife Carol of St. Marys, GA and their five children; John and his wife Beth, Jasmine, Adam, Raymond and his new bride Amber, and Zachary; also, son Dana E. and his partner Darryl Silva of Lawrence, MA. He is also survived by siblings Paul J. and his wife Merry, Pauline J. Glenn, Ernest E., Donald G. and his wife Mary, Carol A. Trodella and her husband Dana; and many nieces, nephews and great grandchildren.

Predeceased by his parents, John L., Sr. and Mary Alice (Church) a Mayflower descendant; brother Richard and his wife Margot; brother-in-law Robert Glenn; his parents-in-law, Sumner J. and Marguerite R.(Henderson) Bailey; and his four brother-in-laws; Dana Robbins and his wife Evelyn, Roger W. and his wife Dorothy, Sumner J. "Bunny", and Arnold "Bill" Bailey.

Jack's ultimate wish is for his and Julie's ashes to one day be combined, and scattered in the Bigelow mountains of northern Maine, overlooking his favorite place to camp on Flagstaff Lake.

The family is deeply grateful to Compassionate Care Hospice for their wonderful care of Jack and his family, they especially wish to thank his nurses Diana and Becky, and aid Kendra.

Family and friends are invited to a Visitation at the couples Village home on Saturday, June 30, 2018 from 2:00-4:00 pm.

A Celebration of Life will be held later in the summer at their daughters home in Massachusetts (we will update here with a date).